Poetry. LGBTQ. Personal Growth.
Date Published: June 24, 2025
Rising From the Roots is a collection of poems that invites readers into
a world of deep introspection and emotional exploration. Through heartfelt
lines, and a transparent flow, Farrell examines the labyrinth of identity,
love, and personal evolution. Each poem resonates with raw honesty,
encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Interview
Tell us about your current release
So, my latest release is called Rising From the Roots, and it’s honestly the most “me” collection I’ve put out so far. After releasing 7 collections prior, I’m sure of it! It came out of a lot of personal growth, grief, letting go of old beliefs, finding laughter in the dark seasons and dancing during all seasons, learning to love myself as a queer Black woman, all of it. A bunch of these poems started off as little survival notes I wrote during some really rough “n” tumble patches, and over time they just kept evolving. Eventually, I realized they weren’t just random pieces, they were all connected. It’s about getting grounded again, digging into where I’ve come from: identity, family, faith, community and choosing what I want to carry forward. I talk a lot about hindsight, lessons learned, church trauma, queerness, heartbreak, but also joy, softness, gratitude and community. It’s vulnerable but also really hopeful. I wanted Rising From the Roots to feel like a breath of fresh air for anyone who’s been questioning everything or starting over. Like, hey, you’re not the only one figuring it out. You’re not broken...you’re blooming.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Honestly? I’ve always been a writer. I just didn’t have the words for it when I was a kid. However, I’d argue that baby jumbles in my late Grandma’s memo pads has its place! I was that quiet girl scribbling poems in the margins of notebooks or writing stories instead of paying attention in class. I didn’t think of it as something I could be. It was just... how I made sense of the world around me.
But I think the moment it really clicked for me was in high school. Instead of giving my all in my fashion classes (I attended Fashion Industries on 24th Street on Manhattan, NY), I was writing poems and stories. I wrote a poem that got published in my high school’s literary journal, The Hanger and holding that book in my hands was dope. Like, wait—I can do this? People can actually read this poem if they wanted? I realized I had something to say, and maybe—just maybe—someone else needed to hear it.
From there, I just kept going. Poetry became a way for me to speak up, to heal, and to connect with people who felt like outsiders, just like I did. That’s when I knew—this isn’t just a hobby. This is part of who I am.
Have you published any previous books?
Definitely! Before Rising From the Roots, I published several poetry collections and even dipped into fiction. Once upon a time...no, I’m kidding. Back in 2014 I published My Quintessence, a sort of lyrical memoir in poems from my former Christian perspective. After that came Phoenixes Groomed as Genesis Doves in 2016/2017, and then Long Live Phoenixes in 2018, which hit #1 on Amazon’s New Release in LGBT poetry upon its release. In 2020, I released three micro‑collections collectively known as The Release Series, centered around letting go, healing, and self-discovery. Then in 2023, I put out Orange September, a romance‑leaning queer collection about love’s beginnings and nostalgic longing...it’s pretty much about my partner and I.
I also wrote a novel! Sloppy, my debut YA fiction, was released in January 2022. It follows a young queer Black woman navigating family, identity, and first love.
So yeah...poetry is my first love, but I’ve definitely branched into fiction. The journey’s been wonderful, tough and wide, and I’m excited to keep growing into what’s next.
What can we expect to see from you in the future, any books on the backburner?
Yes, Sloppy 2: The Clean Snag. The main character, Roxy Patterson, is back and messier than ever, but wiser, thankfully! I’m working on a few short stories as well.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I’m not writing, I really love to just move around and have fun. Dancing around my kitchen is one of my favorite ways to lift my spirits. I’m not a great singer by any means, but I enjoy making up off-key ballads just for the joy of it. It’s freeing and helps me tap into my playful side to balance out the more serious work of writing. I love traveling and attending events. I like to connect, eat good food and try new things. I also practice meditation and gratitude regularly. I started doing that back in 2014, and it’s become a really important part of how I stay grounded and connected to myself. Those moments of stillness help me with both my creativity and personal growth.
Did you learn anything from writing your book? What was it?
Yep! I realized was how imperative it is to be honest and vulnerable in my writing. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always bled my heart out in black and white. However, I did so by hiding under allegory and intangible abstract lines sometimes. I held back nothing this time. I will hold back nothing moving forward. I realized that the stories/poems that resonate most deeply with readers and with myself are the ones where I’m willing to show my true feelings, even the messy parts.
Some writers have something playing in the background, do you and what?
You know...I think it depends. I’m a lover of various kinds of music. But intentional “background music” only plays once I begin structuring my writing projects. It helps me focus...also to get a good shimmy in.
Tell us a little about yourself. Perhaps something not many people know about?
Hmm. My remote control and bedroom have created many imaginative stadium concerts of me covering songs from Brandy, Lacuna Coil, Beyonce, Delta Rae, Slip Knot, India Arie and Civil War. Good shows too.
What do you hope your writing brings to your readers?
Hmm... Well, I hope my writing brings a deep sense of comfort and connection. Life can get really messy and complicated, and sometimes it feels like no one else truly understands what you’re going through. If my words can offer even a little bit of solace, letting someone know they’re seen, heard, and not alone, then that means the world to me. I want my writing to be a safe space where people can feel all their feelings, without judgment, and maybe even find a little hope in the vulnerability. More than anything, I hope my poems or stories remind readers that their experiences matter, that their struggles are valid, and that there’s beauty in being imperfectly human. If my writing can inspire someone to keep going, to accept their own story with their chest out “n” head high, and to feel a little lighter in their heart, then I feel like I’ve done exactly what I set out to do.
About the Author
Jasmine Farrell is a New York-based poet and author known for her candid
and emotionally resonant work that explores themes of identity, love, and
personal growth. With eight poetry projects to her name, including Rising From
the Roots, Orange September, and Long Live Phoenixes, it’s safe to say,
poetry is Farrell’s first love. Her writing often reflects her journey
of self-discovery and resilience, addressing topics such as grief,
empowerment, and the complexities of relationships. In addition to her poetry,
Farrell made her debut as a novelist with Sloppy (2022), a work that delves
into LGBTQ+ experiences and personal transformation.
Farrell's work resonates with readers seeking authenticity and connection, offering a blend of vulnerability and strength that encourages introspection and healing. Through her writing, she continues to inspire and uplift individuals navigating their own paths toward self-acceptance and understanding.
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